Lunch and socialise

This talk explores how your horse’s health and the health of all herbivores is powered by sunlight, transformed through plants, and delivered by soil microbes. Plants capture solar energy via photosynthesis, then trade that energy as root exudates with microbes in exchange for essential minerals like magnesium, selenium, zinc, and copper.

When soil biology is disrupted by chemical inputs or poor management, this energy–mineral–animal link breaks down. The result is forage lacking key nutrients, which can contribute to:

Magnesium deficiency → muscle tension, excitability, tying up

Selenium deficiency → weak muscles, poor immunity

Copper/Zinc imbalance → brittle hooves, dull coat, skin conditions

By restoring the living connection between sun, soil, and pasture, we can grow forage that naturally supports stronger, healthier animals — reducing the need for supplements and interventions.

This presentation will include live soil demonstrations and microscope displays to help bring this hidden world to life.

Jersey is a rich cultural landscape, built up over thousands of years through the interaction of natural processes and human activity. We are surrounded by a tapestry woven from land, life, language and legacy, yet this so often remains invisible to us. Join us for an open discussion about how Jersey’s culture, nature and tradition are all connected, and how we can better work together to celebrate and protect this inheritance.  

Dig into the underworld of soil with a practical demo of how to do in-field observations for regenerative farming. Learn how to monitor the 10 Regen Indicators in the field with the Soilmentor team and supporting coaches. See how you can use the Indicators and many other observations to support you in deciding what actions to take (or not) on your land. Grow your regen mindset and change the way you see your farm by observing through the lens of the Regen Indicators.